“The Nature of Hope”
Tuesday evening, October 17
Time: 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati
As climate change and human activity produce increasingly deleterious effects on Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity, Thayne Maynard, Director of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, will explore some of the hopeful stories of endangered species that are once again on the rise, and what it has taken for these comebacks to succeed.
From eagles and falcons to alligators and wolves, the case can be made that conservation efforts can succeed with a combination of dedication, hard work, and effective legislation. Despite the overwhelming messages about the destruction of nature, it is way too soon to declare defeat. There are actions that each of us can take to reverse the decline of individual species. Maynard’s mission mirrors that of the zoo – to celebrate the story of wildlife and conservation. He makes the case that this is the century when we will come to understand that PROTECTING NATURE = PROTECTING PEOPLE!
About Thane Maynard
THANE MAYNARD is one of the most prominent directors of zoos in the country and is internationally known for his innovation and dedication to wildlife preservation, research, and education. Maynard is recognized as well for building both educational and research partnerships between the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the University of Cincinnati.
Thane has authored more than a dozen books, the most recent, “Hope for Animals & Their World,” was coauthored with Jane Goodall. He has also shared science and environmental news nationwide through his longtime radio program, “The 90-Second Naturalist.”
Maynard’s travels have spanned five continents in promoting biological diversity, natural history, and wildlife conservation. He is an active member of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Margo Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, a primate conservation fund headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Born and raised in central Florida, Thane earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and his master’s degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources.